Catharine Young's Press releases

MOUNT MORRIS – Four local men, whose quick thinking and decisive actions saved the life of co-worker at American Rock Salt, were honored today in a special ceremony at the plant.

John Ayers, Colin Keller, Gary Morrison, and Michael Smith, who each played a pivotal role in the life-saving response to a heart attack suffered by co-worker Greg Kurelko, were awarded New York State Senate Liberty Medals, one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive, from state Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean). She also presented each of the men with a New York State Senate Resolutions in their honor.

COOPERSTOWN – Long a champion for our local school districts, students, teachers, and parents, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) recently received statewide recognition with the “Rural Schools Appreciation Award” for her work advocating for rural school districts across the state.

The award was presented to Senator Young by the Rural Schools Association of New York at their annual conference, in recognition of her work as Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, her efforts on behalf of children and families, and her legislative initiatives to bolster education in rural communities.

ALBANY - State Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Flanagan, have reached agreement with Governor Andrew Cuomo to make administrative changes to the SAFE Act, suspending the ammunition database and background check, announced Senator Catharine Young, (R,C,I-57th District).

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), which mirrors part of a SAFE Act reform bill passed in the Senate, has been signed by Senator Flanagan and Jim Malatros, Governor Cuomo’s Director of State Operations.

“Parents, students, and teachers across New York State are cheering because of the Pearson contract rejection. The out-of-touch testing materials prepared by Pearson were a big factor in the flawed implementation of Common Core in New York State.

Today’s announcement of funding for Alfred University and Alfred State College is exciting news for economic development in Allegany County. The Center for High-Temperature Characterization at Alfred University, and the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center at Alfred State College’s Wellsville Campus, will provide students using these facilities with a world-class education in state-of-the-art practices for advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing remains an integral part of our economy in the Southern Tier, and preparing people of all ages for careers in fields where good-paying jobs are open immediately is an important step in jumpstarting our state’s economy.

Program Sponsored by Senator Young Supports Better Health, Local Farmers

ALBANY - Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) announced today that funding included in this year’s state budget will provide free farm-fresh fruits and vegetables from area farmers’ markets to seniors in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Livingston Counties.

ALBANY – The highly successful Food for Thought Culinary Arts program, operated by Cattaraugus Community Action (CCA), will be able to continue providing a 15-week training program for low-income youth and displaced adults thanks to funding supplied by the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) has announced that she secured state assistance for invasive species prevention for Chautauqua Lake.

As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young successfully obtained a $100,000 grant for the Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA), to support the organization’s ongoing battle against invasive aquatic species that can wreak havoc on the lake if not controlled.

“Extending the property tax cap for four more years is a victory for our taxpayers and the economy. The tax cap has been a smashing success, stopping out-of-control tax hikes. The cap has given residents a certainty they need and deserve – allowing them to better manage their finances, provide for their children, and make ends meet. Now, they will have this sense of stability for another four years.

Focus is on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne diseases

ALBANY – Improvements to the methods of preventing, diagnosing, and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, along with legislation to help stop the spread of the deer tick population, recently passed the state Senate.

The legislative package was the result of work done by the Senate’s Task Force on Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases, to which Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) was appointed earlier this year, and is aimed at addressing the rising public health crisis.

ALBANY – Legislation passed recently by the State Senate, and championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean), Chair of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, opens the door to telehealth options for physical and occupational therapy. It is an important step in the process of increasing healthcare availability for individuals in rural and remote areas.

Senate bill 5733 updates state law to allow occupational and physical therapists to provide services as telehealth practitioners, expanding access to care for individuals throughout New York State. This legislation was also passed by the Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s signature into law.

Funding will promote business growth, likely create eight new jobs in the next three years

ALBANY – Spherical Block, LLC, an Allegany County manufacturer, expects to see job growth and expanded operations as a result of funding assistance provided through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

As part of the 2015-16 State Budget, Senator Young personally advocated for the restoration of funding that supports the mission of the Workforce Development Institute following Governor Cuomo’s proposal to eliminate the program. The enacted budget restored $5 million in funding for the program.

Expansion of the byway will promote economic development and community pride

ALBANY – The Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway (WNYSSB), which currently runs through the Towns of Aurora, Boston, Colden, Concord, East Aurora, Orchard Park and Springville, will soon be expanding into Cattaraugus County. Another 37 miles of roadway will be added to the existing byway corridor, bring added attention to northern Cattaraugus County’s resources, thus increasing community pride and boosting the local economy by promoting cultural, historic, and recreational tourism.

Local governments will now be able to distribute proposed laws electronically

ALBANY – Legislation passed by the State Legislature will improve government efficiency and save local taxpayers money.

Under Senate bill 3018A, sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I– Olean) and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda), local governments will now have the ability to deliver proposed laws to members of the legislative body by email. The measure is intended as a way to save local taxpayers money while also helping municipalities become more efficient.

Four members of the Nunda Fire Department Awarded New York State Senate Liberty Medal

ALBANY – Four member of the Nunda Fire Department who went above and beyond the call of duty in saving the lives of three community members were honored this week as the State Senate passed resolutions designating them as recipients of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal. Nunda Fire Department Chief Robert Walker, First Assistant Chief Travis Rawleigh, First Lieutenant Travis Deiter and Truck Captain Steve Gelser were each honored for their efforts to rescue three victims from an early morning fire on March 27, 2015, at a home on Parker Road in Portage.

Legislation Sponsored by Senator Young Will Boost Patients Access to Needed Dental Services

ALBANY – New Yorkers, especially those who live in rural communities, will soon have greater access to medical care, especially specialists who focus on unique diseases, and faster, more convenient treatment options. Under the new legislation, authored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean), telehealth services, which were opened earlier this year in New York, will now be expanded to include dental healthcare professionals.

Funding will promote job and business growth, employee retention and promotion

ALBANY – Two Chautauqua County manufacturers will be able to retain and promote existing employees, and potentially expand operations, as a result of funding provided through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

ALBANY – In communities across Western New York and beyond, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians serve on the front lines of public safety, answering the sound of the alarm, in response to fire, medical emergency or natural disaster.

In recognition of this selfless sacrifice to our communities, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) and her colleagues recently passed several measures to provide additional tax and education benefits to those who serve.

ALBANY – Over and over, the tragic results of people with untreated, serious psychiatric disorders falling through the cracks and inflicting harm on themselves and their communities has been felt across our state and the nation. In light of another near-tragic subway incident, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) and her Senate colleagues this week passed legislation that would strengthen Kendra’s Law, and are now urging the Assembly to act.

Sign Up For UpdatesFrom Catharine Young:

Find Catharine Young Online

Featured Video

Share This:

District Map

Get Involved

Millions of women across New York State are on the verge of winning an historic victory at the State Capitol, but we need YOUR help!

The State Senate recently approved approved a landmark new "Women's Equality Package," which includes a key reform to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.

I was proud to vote for this package in the Senate, but our job isn't done yet. That's why I'm launching a new petition drive designed to encourage the State Assembly to take final action on these bills without delay.